Hollard says product and underwriting leader Tony Martiniello has become head of distribution – a newly created role as the insurer accelerates its partnership-driven model.

Mr Martiniello will be responsible for driving portfolio growth and building new partnerships across Australia and New Zealand.

Chief commercial officer Suzi Leung says the expanded role sits at the heart of Hollard’s strategy.

“Our vision is to be Australia’s insurance partner of choice, and the role of head of distribution is central to achieving that,” she said.

“Tony has successfully cultivated close and trusted relationships with many of our current partners, and in combination with his deep product and underwriting experience, we believe he is well positioned to develop new partnerships to achieve that vision.”

Mr Martiniello was head of product and underwriting from July 2023, according to his LinkedIn.

Before joining Hollard, he was EM for product and entity management at CommInsure, which Hollard acquired in 2022.

Hollard says he has held “leadership roles across product management and underwriting, establishing a strong foundation to now lead the distribution function”.

Mr Martiniello says he will “work closely with our direct, agency and broker partners to drive strong outcomes across our portfolios, while also exploring new partnership opportunities for Hollard”.

Hollard Insurance Australia CEO Paul Fahey told Insurance News magazine earlier this year that “partnership is in our DNA. We have launched our 2030 vision internally, so our goal over the next four years is to own the position ... of being Australia’s insurance partner of choice.”